The Howland football renovation committee hosted a fundraising initiative Wednesday night at Leo’s Ristorante to unveil plans for a privately funded, three-phase project that would dramatically improve the overall facilities.

The total cost for the project is $1.85 million, and the group hopes to have it completed in three years.

Howland Athletic Director Ron McLeary emphasized that the costs would be funded through private donations:

“We won’t be using any of the taxpayers money. I can’t help but get excited about it. I think the people here believe in the project and I think the peope of Howland are going to come through for us to make this a reality.”

The first phase calls for new turf to be added the by the start of next season at a cost of $650,000. The project would also include electrical updates, new home bleachers, improved parking, fencing, and gates.